Mixed feelings now surrounds the Jonathan family, who woke up Tuesday morning, amidst a blaze of newspaper and TV adverts to mark the 55th birthday of the President , only to receive the sad news of the passing of another son named Meni Innocent Jonathan.
Our checks reveal that Meni, a younger brother to the president was pronounced dead at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Until his death, he was the head of the council chiefs in Otuoke.
Confirming his death, Reuben Abati, presidential spokesperson, in a statement, said,
“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announces with sadness the death earlier today of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan.”
Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness. Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family”.
Inspite of his brother`s demise, President Jonathan continued his official engagements. He received five new Ambassadors to Nigeria,Tuesday, and urged them to focus attention on the strengthening of economic ties during their various tenures.
The new Ambassadors are Mr. Isaac Genesis Munlo of Malawi, Mr. Carsten Nilaus Pederson of Denmark, Mr. Shyam Lal Tabadar of Nepal, Mr. Myint Naung of Myanmar and Mr. Alex Lamadrid of the Philipines.
President Jonathan told the new Malawian Ambassador that the Administration was working hard to make agriculture a business in Nigeria, instead of a subsistence occupation, in order to attract younger farmers and provide more jobs.
The President told the Ambassador of Denmark that Nigeria wanted more robust economic relations with the Nordic countries.
He acknowledged and welcomed the ongoing cooperation with Phililpines and the training of Nigerian seafarers in that country.
The new Ambassadors acknowledged the positive leadership role Nigeria has played in the African continent and commended President Jonathan for sustaining the tradition.
They expressed their commitment to strengthening relations between their countries and Nigeria, for the mutual benefit of the people on both sides.
The new Ambassadors, whose presentation of letters of credence coincided with the President’s birthday, wished President Jonathan happy birthday.
